The Kirkland Police Department joins the Bellevue, Everett, Milton/Edgewood, Seattle, and Tacoma Police Departments and the United States Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force (ECTF) in warning local communities about a fraud scheme by a group of individuals dubbed the “Parking Lot ATM Bandits.” The group, consisting of at least four suspects, is believed to be looking over customers’ shoulders while checking out at grocery stores to obtain their Personal Identification Number (PIN).

As victims enter their automobile, the suspects approach, show them a map, and ask for directions. The suspects pretend not to speak English and while receiving directions, another suspect sneaks into the victim’s purse to obtain and skim the ATM card before putting it back. The “Parking Lot ATM Bandits” then clone a card and use it to withdraw money from the victim’s bank account via an ATM. The victims never suspect their bank card has been compromised since they still have their card. Victims are typically older women, but in several cases the victims have been older men.

The cases are currently being investigated by the United States Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force (ECTF) and the above local law enforcement agencies. Anyone with additional information regarding this case or the suspects should call Detective Don Carroll of the Kirkland Police Department/ ECTF at 206-654-5722 or the U.S. Secret Service Seattle Field Office at (206) 553-1922. ATM card users are reminded to keep their PIN private and to shield the keypad when entering it.

Attached are ATM photographic images of the suspected “Bandit” members making cash withdrawals using the victim’s skimmed debit card numbers and PINs

Suspect 1: Appears to be Hispanic/ Eastern European, early 30’s, believed to be inside the grocery store as well as the individual who approaches vehicle.